Atomic Number
84
Element 84
Polonium (Po)
Polonium is a chemical element with symbol Po and atomic number 84, discovered in 1898 by Marie Curie and Pierre Curie. A rare and highly radioactive element with no stable isotopes, polonium is chemically similar to bismuth and tellurium.
Atomic Mass
209 u
Category
Post-Transition Metal
Period
6
Group
Group 16: oxygen group
Phase
solid
Density
9.196 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 6
Atomic Structure
Protons: 84. Electrons: 84. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁴
Why Polonium Matters
Polonium helps connect atomic number 84, post-transition metal behavior, period 6 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 209 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁴ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Polonium was discovered 1898 by Marie Curie, Pierre Curie. Polonium is a chemical element with symbol Po and atomic number 84, discovered in 1898 by Marie Curie and Pierre Curie. A rare and highly radioactive element with no stable isotopes, polonium is chemically similar to bismuth and tellurium.
Safety and Handling Context
Polonium has radioactive isotopes or is commonly discussed with radioactive materials. Use this page as an educational reference; real samples require qualified supervision and controlled handling.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Polonium?
- Polonium has atomic number 84, which means a neutral atom has 84 protons and 84 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Polonium?
- The chemical symbol for Polonium is Po.
- What category is Polonium in?
- Polonium is classified as a post-transition metal and sits in period 6 of the periodic table.
Explore Polonium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Polonium to neighboring elements without losing your place.